Sunday, September 11, 2016

Simply Remembering George

While so many are remembering the events of September 11th, I do not in any way intend any disrespect to that, but I am remembering our boy George that left us on Friday.

We first met George on April 11, 2015. His arrival story can be found here. His previous home had called him "Biggie," and the rescue knew him as "Big Georgie". I never called him Biggie, feeling it was just a little insulting to him. I did of course call him Georgie as a nickname. But to me, he was simply George.

George was originally a foster dog via Lab Rescue, but I knew not long after I met him, that he was not leaving our house. I'd felt at the time that the change would be unfair for a boy of his respectable age of about 13. But more than anything, George had quickly found a place in my heart, and our home too. We officially adopted him not long after he came.

His easy going and laid back personality meant that he got along with all the dogs. I'd long thought that if our household had an anchor, it was George. He was steady, calm, and pretty unassuming. He was focused, but went with the flow of the household and never seemed to mind any change in the routine. But in true Lab fashion, he loved his mealtimes, as you can see in the video below. It truly was his favorite time of the day!

George was my shadow and followed me everywhere I went. He slept next to the bed on my side from just about the first night he came. His "extra large size" meant George was a big presence, and a great comfort in sad times.

George was a dog that was not part of the spotlight. He didn't mind that. He was perfectly content to be in the background and watch the world go by. But that changed this past April at a rescue parade. That day he walked around the show-ring as an audience applauded him.

He received a beautiful rosette afterwards just like a "real show dog" It was a fun day and is a favorite memory of just the two of us.

George loved to lay in the sun on hot days and soak up its warmth.

I'd say that he felt like a baked potato when he'd come back inside -- But actually he felt more like a soft warm pillow that just came out of the dryer.

But in any weather and in every season, George remained unflappable, never changing, never seeming to mind anything. Not even the bad weather.

He silently soaked up every day and moment, and was always watching me and everything else so intently with his big brown eyes that to me were so wise and soulful.

The lump appeared on his gums in early June. I knew what it meant. That our time together would be coming to an end.

A friend reminded me to not see it that way, and she sent me an article that pointed out that George didn't know he had cancer. Dogs live so much in the moment, and so I tried to live each day remembering that too; hoping and praying to extend those days with George.

I read all that I could about this particular kind of cancer. I talked to the holistic vet, and tried different herbs that I'd not used before. I feel that they did work to a point. But sadly and unfortunately, it was not a battle that could be won.

~Un-edited photo of "the lump."~

Through it all George remained stoic, never wavering in his devotion, and totally focused on the moments and life. But in the end, he could be brave no more. It was time for me to "be brave" and let this boy who meant to much to me, go.

It's now two days later and I'm realizing that his loss is going to take some time to get over. Maybe it's because it's coming so close to the loss of my precious Sheba. Maybe it's because he was our first Black Lab. Maybe it's because of his extra-large size and personality that had a way of grabbing your heart. Maybe it's all of those things and many more. But I think that it probably comes down to just one simple thing... He was just simply George and I simply loved him.

Oh Kim, I am sat hear with tears in my eyes, such a beautiful post about your darling boy, George. You are so brave bringing older dogs into your home knowing you may not have many, many years with them but content to, like George take one day at a time. I know when ever I read your blog that you adore your pets and I know every time you have to say goodbye to one must be so very hard. Sending lots of love Lyn xxx

Kim, what a wonderful moving tribute to George. I'm fighting the tears for your loss-I know you've adjusted to the letting go, but this story is close to the one I shared about losing Sampson, my daughter's Newfie mix. It is just so darn hard to let them go-but they just say it's o.k, you love me and gave me a great life. Sending you big hugs Kim. Well done. Noreen

I read yesterday's post too and the butterfly was so special. I remember when you took him to the parade and he enjoyed his outing and most of all, he enjoyed being with you. Just with you. He was you big, huggable boy, and it must be so difficult right now. I will keep you in my thoughts, my friend.

Kim, when it is your time to go to that far off place, there will be lots of licks and barking and running around your feet. All these sweet creatures that God has placed in your care will be there to greet you. Not only will they run and play, but they will look for you to toss a ball or run your hands over them. George knew you loved him and we are so thankful that he had you.

Wonderful and moving tribute. Big black dogs have such an unearned bias against them. I've read from the shelter people that they are hard to place, so I'm thinking today that not only were you lucky to find him, but that he was one lucky, big black dog to find you and your loving home.

One more time. I so understand why you do this and am so grateful on behalf of all the dogs you have loved and cared for. I had a big Airedale mix who had the same thing happen with a tumor in his mouth. So sorry.

what a beautiful post for George - you have such a huge wonderful heart - these dogs are so so lucky to have someone like you to love and care for them in their later years and to be able to leave this world knowing love. God Bless you Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel & Mom

So many tears are falling, that I am not sure that I can see to write.Every photo Kim is special. And the dinner time photo,, oh gosh,,, so special.We are hugging you,, our special Angel.. who loves all of these older ones that come to Golden Pines.There is a song playing in the back ground as I read your post,,, as I look at the photos,,, remembering George ,, and reading this beautiful tribute,, to beloved George,,, and as the song plays,, May It Be,,, its for you George.lovetweedles and moms

Oh my, Kim, you made me cry. I love George from afar. You were so deserving of his devotion. My heart goes out to you for the loss of George and for having to grieve two very special dogs at the same time. You know that I have a special spot in my heart for Labs - and I really wish that I could've met your devoted George. Rest in peace, sweet guy.

well.... I thought I could read this and be strong and not cry.But when I got to the photo of him walking around the show ring I totally lost it.I can only imagine how devastated you must be.And the fact that you have lost Sheba too, breaks my heart.You have written such a wonderful tribute and I'm so happy he got to have his forever home with you.Please take care of yourself.I know how hard it is to deal with such losses.XOXOXOXO

Oh, KIm. I am So sorry. It seems George was at Golden Pines just a minute. I will never forget his expression when he came in, stoic and appeared unemotional. Of course, he was just getting his bearings and learning to love again. I loved his face. What a great boy, gone way too soon. I am so glad he got his rosette for best in show in all of our eyes. So precious. Big, wonderful boy. My tears are with youHugs,Gus' Mom

I would be one to say . . . you have a gift of being able to tell a story. Yet this is more than fiction . . . story . . . This is filled with love and grace, faithfulness, emotion, humility, kindness . . . Not sure how I missed your post, but I did . . . and reading the message about "returning to normal" or words somewhat like that, had me scroll down to Older Posts and I heard about George and your love. You are indeed . . . a beautiful person . . . I am so happy I have met. My heart goes out to you . . . I care about you and the loss, passing of George. Truly an example of my belief in love, not more, less, black, white, big, small . . . LOVE . . . and you have had two loves lost in a short, short time . . . I care . . .

Kim, I'm so sorry about George. Sometimes now that all my pups are old dogs, I wonder how I'll get thru the next few years as I start losing them. I hope they go peacefully and that I can be strong enough to realize when the time has come. I'll miss seeing George's sweet face.

I have read, reread George's post a few times. A beautiful, gentle, loving story you write . . .Although, "it isn't a story."It is pure, gentle serendipity, love. I love having you in my life Kim . . .

A Little About Me...

In 2007 my dream of living in the country and sharing it with senior Golden Retrievers came true when we moved to a small town in Northern Virginia into a home that would become 'Golden Pines.' Our lives are now filled with more rescued Golden Retrievers than I'll admit to, a Wheaten Terrier, a lively little Scottie, a black lab and a very tolerant cat. This blog chronicles snippets of a life in the country that has truly 'gone to the dogs!'